Memorials, Recognition - Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month, May 2025 -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Tim Rudd

Ceremonial resolution recognizing May 2025 as Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month to boost rider education and road-safety awareness, with no new laws or funding.

Signed by Governor.

#memorials #recognition

Overview

HJR 547 is a House Joint Resolution that memorializes the Tennessee General Assembly to recognize Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month in Tennessee during May 2025. Sponsored by Representative Rudd, the resolution is a non-binding, ceremonial expression of the Legislature’s support for motorcycle safety education and awareness. It was signed by the Governor on April 24, 2025.

Purpose and Intent

Commemorate Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month in Tennessee for May 2025.

Emphasize safety as a priority on state roads and highways.

Highlight the importance of education for both motorcycle riders and operators of other motor vehicles to reduce crashes, injuries, and economic losses from traffic crashes.

Acknowledge ongoing state education efforts and partnerships that promote safe riding practices.

Key Provisions

Resolution states that safety is a priority and that many Tennesseans enjoy motorcycling as transportation and recreation.

Affirms that increased road-safety awareness and riding/driving skills are necessary for safe operation of all vehicles.

References the Department of Safety’s Motorcycle Rider Education Program, noting that the program trains up to 10,000 Tennesseans per year and is supported in part by funds from motorcyclists’ registrations.

Recognizes the contributions of safety organizations, including the Concerned Motorcyclists of Tennessee/American Bikers Active Towards Education, the National Motorcycle Riders Foundation, and the Tennessee Confederation of Clubs, for their volunteer safety and awareness efforts.

Directs that an appropriate copy of the resolution be prepared for presentation.

Affected Parties and Impact

Primary: General public of Tennessee and motorcycle riders, as well as operators of other motor vehicles.

State agencies: Tennessee Department of Safety (noting its existing Rider Education Program) and related law-enforcement and public-safety stakeholders.

The resolution elevates awareness and education efforts but does not impose new statutory duties, funding, or regulatory requirements.

Procedural Timeline and Status

Introduced: April 1, 2025

House actions: Passed/Adopted in April; enrolled; Speaker of the House signed on April 15, 2025.

Senate actions: Signed by Senate Speaker on April 16, 2025; concurrence on April 14, 2025.

Transmitted to Governor: April 21, 2025

Governor’s signature: April 24, 2025 (bill signed into law)

Effective result: Ceremonial/recognition without creating new law or funding obligations.

Notes

The bill’s content centers on symbolic recognition and public awareness rather than substantive regulatory or fiscal changes.

The resolution underscores existing rider-education programs funded in part by motorcyclists’ registrations and partnerships with rider-education and safety organizations.

Bill